Electrode holder for arc welders



u. P. UDESEN ELECTRODE HOLDER FOR ARC WELDERS Jan. 6, 1948.

Filed Feb. 23, 1945' INVENTOR.

BY a2)? 1m Q\ QR wML N L QM Patented Jan. 6, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRODE HOLDER FOR ARC WELDERS Ude P.Udesen St. Paul, Minn.

Application February 23, 1945, Serial No. 579,348

.2 Claims. (01. 219-8) This invention relates to electric arc welding and particularly to an improved and simplified welding tool constituting an electrode holder.

In electric arc welding, it is necessary to provide a compact, readily portable device for securely gripping the rod or electrode and one which may be accurately guided in making the weld. The electrodes are quite quickly consumed in arc welding and must be quickly replaced.

In View of the electrical current transmitted to the rod, the rod must be very firmly g ipped to insure proper electric contact between the "holder and rod and means must be provided for quickly ejecting or detaching the stub of a rod which has been used.

In most electrode holders for electric arc welding, a suitable insulated handle of generally cylindrical shape is provided having connected therewith, clamping means for detachably securing an electrode or rod thereto. The actual clamping portions of the holder are removed at some distances from the insulated handle to materially lessen the transmission of heat to the portion grasped by the operator. Clamping action of the jaws in most prior art devices is obtained through a strong spring which urges the clamping ends of the jaw members together. The various electrodes used vary somewhat in diameter and it is desirable that such electrode may be attached in a number of angular relations relative to the longitudinal center line of the holder. The cooperating clamping elements of most electrode holders widely used at this time, would not adequately or uniformly grip electrodes of somewhat different diameter in the various angulated positions. No positive means are provided for positively clamping the electrode between the clamping jaws.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a imple ut highly efilcient electrode holder for arc welding wherein the clamping elements of the jaws are normally urged apart but wherein a means readily operable from the handle is provided for positively moving said jaws together against an electrode and wherein said positive force may be applied throughout the welding operation.

A'further object is the provision of a holder of the class described wherein a very efiicientgripping action is secured through the cooperation of complementary jaw elements so constructed as to center and most effectively apply clamping pressure against opposite sides of a rod or elec- 'trode and to grip said rod with equal effectiveness when disposed in any one of aplurality of angular positions with reference to the longitudinal center line of the holding device.

A further object is the provision of an electrode holder for arc welding wherein discomfort from over-heating of the instrument as well as danger of injury from sparks, is substantially eliminated and wherein the conductor and electric connections in the instrument itself, are well shielded and insulated.

More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved electrode holder and welding instrument which utilizes a swingable jaw lever or the equivalent pivoted and opposed to a stationary jaw member, said jaw members having opposed clamping elements adjacent the outer ends thereof and powerful camming means being provided between said jaw members disposed at 'the rear or inner end of the fulcrumed jaw lever and disposed rearwardly of the fulcrum whereby the jaw lever may be positively forced inwardly at its gripping end and retained there with positive force to grip the electrode throughout the welding operation.

A further object is the provision of an electrode holder of the class described wherein said camming member is provided with an operating arm disposed in juxtaposition to a side of the handle for convenient manipulation by the thumb or fingers of the hand which holds the tool.

A still further object is the provision of a streamlined electrode holder of relatively small cross sectional shape throughout and the entire body of which includin the gripping jaws and handle are disposed longitudinally in a substantial straight line to enable the device to be accurately and conveniently manipulated and to apply the welding rod or electrode for work in crowded corners or spaces and to enable the device to be projected through relatively small apertures.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be more apparent from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the several views and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of my invention having an electrode gripped thereby and showing the use of the device on a piece of work;

Fig. 2 is a view mostly in longitudinal section with the electrode holder turned 90 on its axis from the position shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottomplan view showing the'up- 3 4 per or stationary jaw with the lower jaw dethe holder. To this end, one of the jaws of my tached; device (as shown here the fixed jaw 1), carries Fig. 4 is a cross section taken on the line 44 at its outer end, a lateral projecting gripping of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows; element Id which has its gripping face as shown and in Figs. 2 and 3 formed by a plurality of inter- Fig. 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5-5 secting grooves a d ace o t e ele ent 1d of Fig. 2 showing the camming mechanism actuly ng preferably in a plane and the g ooves being ating the swingable jaw member; and of substantial semi-circular cross sectional shape Fig, 6 is a perspective View of th camming and of the same depth. This leaves in the gripelement and its operating arm detached. l0 p ng ele ent, a central recess or dep o Y In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, through the rs c o f t e sev oove I provide an elongated, stationary jaw member In the form n, three of s h diemetrio 1 which also constitutes the body of the entire grooves re utilized. making p b e he h ld n device. Member 1 is constructed of metal such of rods in five diiferent p iti s at e to e as brass, copper, bronze or aluminum which has y f the devic one of h se p siti n b ing high electrical conductive properties and is of astraight line, longitu in l position and the other substantial cross sectional area and substance to four Positions being disposed With the greater P constitute the main conductor of electricity from tion of the len of e rod at suita le di fere t the connection of the device, through an elecngulations with reference to the instrument and tric cable 0 with the source. Jaw member la o c urs to t W t b p e sedhas a pair of spaced ribs depending from its The cooperating gr pping or clampi element longitudinal edges and has formed in th rear 8d projects laterally from the outer end of the portions thereof, apertured transversely aligned swingable jaw mem er 8 and pri a s ibosses lb which are adapted to be pivotally conball s ap me t 0 sol d convex member nected with the swingable, elongated jaw memaxially aligned w the Cooperating pp ber 8. The jaw member 8 is constructed of a Inent 7d 50 that Pressure s always pp ied om bar or relatively thick strip of metal or other the jaw element 8d at theoretically an t inst suitable material having a comparatively high one side of a rod, such p n being in alignment degree of resiliency, such as spring steel and is during the Closi Op t of e l s t he aligned longitudinally of my device with the fixed depressed r recessed portion of the ppo jaw 1 and carries at its inner end, a laterally exelement d cen rally of the ooves.

tending ear 8a which is adapted to be disposed With y structure, t hinged l w 8 is norbetween the apertured bosses lb of the fixed jaw molly u d apart from t fixed l 1 by 1. A pivot pin 9 pivotally on t th ear 8 silient means such as astrong compression spring with said bosses lb thereby mounting the swingtheends of Which y be os d et een able or lever jaw 8 for variable swinging movelever l w 8 nd a shallow socket formed in the ment relative to the fixed jaw. The swingable or under portion of fixed jaw s d sp ng lever jaw member 8 has a short'inner end 8b disposed as shown, somewhat forwardly of the which projects a short distance inwardly or rear- Pivotal joint 9- wardly of the pivot car 811 and which as later 40 I p v a p f and p s t m ans or will be shown, is adapted to be engaged and clamping the c ope a pping elements 1d cammed by an eflicient camming mechanism for and 11 eth r a t the rod to be held. To swinging the jaw lever to cause the outer end this a small Cylindrical a m mber thereof to be forced toward the outer end of the i3 is disposed between the shorter and er d fixed jaw to cooperatively clamp or grip an elecof jaw members I and 8 pivoted for oscillation trode or rod. on a pivot screw M which extends transversely The body or stationary jaw 1 carries at its rear of the y and as shown, s eW r e to end, a heavy preferably integrally formed collar the heavy rearward portion of the fixed j 1c which is drilled partially through its length member! ashort distance forwardly of the handle to constitute a socket for receiving and retaining tach t 0011311 The camming member l3 the inner end of the electrical cable C. A detachh s a v d ca l ment 3a t nd n able handle l0 constructed of heat insulating or diametrically thereae s d s e gradual di-electric material surrounds the collar 10 as sloping D groove adapted to cooperate well as the inner end of the electrical cable C with a r gid, st t a y y constituting a and is detachably secured to said collar by suitri as s wn n th inner portion f the y able means such as set screw II. or stationary jaw I and extending longitudinally The socket formed internally by collar 10 is of r of, as clearly shown in s. 3 and 5. The a diameter to snugly engage the inner end of wearing surface of h cooperating p ri the service cable and an excellent electrical conis preferably constliutted 0f hardened steel, to nection may be made by sweating in the cable 00 resist wear in the camming operation and this in the socket or if desired, the connection may rib eomplementarily fits the V-shaped camming be made by loosely inserting the end of the cable surface of the element l3 when the latter is osand then utilizing a set or jam screw to efficiently cillated to non-clamping position. An operating clamp the cable against the greater part of the arm I3!) is ri y affixed to e camming inner periphery of the socket. The rod gripping 65 her l3 and extends more or less radially thereof or clamping elements are positioned in opposed externally of the device and handle and is P relation at the outer end of the device integrally erably covered with a di-electric and heat informed or otherwise rigidly secured to the outer sulating sleeve IS. The outer end of the arm is ends of the fixed and swingable jaws 1 and 8. I shaped and positioned to be disposed in juxtaprovide a pair of aligned cooperating elements position to the forward portion of the handle for particularly well conceived to center and corconvenient swinging by thumb or finger when recty apply clampin pressure to rods varying the device is held for operation. The diametriconsiderably in diameter and to permit holding cally extending camming groove l3a is properly of a rod in the device at various angular relaa gled with r spe to the radial p n o p tions relative to the longitudinal center line of ating arm l3b so that in the operative or ex- 5. treme cammed position of element l3, the arm will be moved into its closest relation .to the adjacent portion of the handle.

Both the stationary and swingable jaws l and 8 are covered at their exterior surfaces by insulating shields I! and I8 respectively, constructed of heat insulating and di-electric material, such shields being shaped to conform to the outer longitudinal surfaces as well as the marginal edges and forward ends of the two jaw members. Said shields are detachably connected with the jaw members by screws I9. I prefer to cover both of the shielding members 18 with metal or plastic sheet material Ila and l8a respectively, it being noted that the shielding of the forward ends of the jaw members is obtained to prevent sparks from the application of the electrode to the work, from injuring the metal jaws.

To install an electrode, the cam operating lever 13b is first retracted to the position shown in Fig. with the camming groove I3a of element l3 complementarily fitting the V-shaped ridge iii of the body member. In this position, coil spring 52 urges the outer ends of the jaws apart, the elements 1d and 8d being sufiiciently spaced for easy reception of a rod or electrode therebetween.

To attach a rod, the same is laid in the appropriate channel or groove X to position the greater length of the rod in the desired angled relationship to the jaw members. The cam lever I3 is then conveniently retracted by thumb or fingers of the hand holding the device and in so doing, the cylindrical camming element I3 is turned beyond engagement with the V-shaped rib I5 and is thereby locked in the cammed position, arm

I312 then being positioned closely adjacent handle In, as shown in full lines in Fig, 1.

By constructing the swinging jaw lever 8 of spring steel or other suitable resilient material, I am able to positively apply clamping pressure and retain the same upon electrodes varying within all presently used ranges. The heavy plate or jaw lever B is tensioned to some extent in application of clamping pressure through the positive force of the camming element [3 and there is suflicient yieldability because of the length and resilient nature of clamping lever to positivel apply proper clamping action upon electrodes varying from T e to 1% of an inch in diameter.

In this connection, it is to be noted that the smaller the rod used, the less current it carries and consequently, the less actual clamping pressure is required for proper electrical connection. Thus, with the heavier rods, a greater positive clamping pressure is obtained from my device.

In the application of clamping pressure to the rod, it will be noted thatone side of the rod is ac tually engaged by the two portions of the particular diametric groove utilized at opposite sides of the central recess Y. The cooperating clamping pressure is applied centrally or axially of the element 1d through the convex or ball member 8d, the high point of which is axially aligned with the recess or center Y of the jaw element l'd. Thus pressure is applied in all cases on one side of the rod at a point centrally of the two areas engaged by the groove X at the opposite side of the rod and for this reason, regardless Of the diameter of the rod or the particular groove X utilized, whereby clamping pressure and consequently, electric connection with the conductive fixed jaw 1, are obtained in the most efiicient manner.

With my device, after the electrode is clamped in the desired position, the camming element has been locked into place and it is not necessary to hold the operating arm I311 during the welding operation on the work. Upon releasing operating arm l3a by swinging the same forwardly, the swingable jaw is released and the compressed spring I2 urges the outer portions of the jaws apart to release the electrode.

The convenience and simplicity of operation of my device is an important'feature of my invention. New electrodes may be installed at desired angulated positions by merely swinging the operating arm l3a with finger or thumb pressure towards the handle. Ejection of a consumed rod is equally convenient since upon retraction of the operating arm, the coil spring releases the clamping elements of the jaws. Such ease of operation is quite in contrast to the electrode holders now extensively used.

With my device, it will be seen that all parts of the holder including the body, swingable jaw, handle and cam operating arm, are all disposed in stream lined and longitudinal fashion within very small compass. The instrument can therefore, be used upon work positioned in a small corner, within an aperture or in places and positions where it is difiicult to apply an electrode with devices now extensively utilized. My tool is well balanced throughout and because of the straight handle and continuation of the straight line construction and the attachment and positioning of the jaws and electrode, in any of the angulated positions, can be very accurately applied to the line or area of the work to be welded.

It will further be seen that all of the parts of the device are readily detachable and easily replaced and repaired, the parts being readily dissembled by release of one or more screws.

It will of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. An electrode holder for electric arc welding comprising a pair of opposedjaw members carrying at their outer ends, opposed cooperating electrode clamping elements, one of said elements being of circular configuration and having an annular clamping surface provided with a series of radially arranged electrode engaging grooves and having a central depression with which the ends of said grooves communicate, the other of said elements comprising precisely a. substantially semi spherical member disposed in axial alignment with said first mentioned element and means for clamping the outer ends of said law members together.

2. An electrode holder for electric arc welding comprising a cylindrical non-conductive holder, an elongated, resilient stationary jaw member fixed to said handle and extending longitudinally therefrom and having a jaw element adjacent its outer end, an elongated, resilient, swingable jaw lever pivoted adjacent its inner end to said first jaw member and opposed thereto and having a cooperating jaw element opposed to said first mentioned jaw element, resilient means interposed between said jaw members for separating the same, a camming member interposed between the inner ends of said jaw members inwardly of the pivot between said members and oscillatable on an axis extending diametrically to said handle for forcing the outer ends of said jaw members together and maintaining the same in clamping relationship, one of said jaw members having an annular clamping surface provided with a series of diametric pairs of radially arranged electrodeengaging grooves and having a central recess with which the ends of said grooves communicate, the other of said jaw elements comprising precisely, a semi-spherical member disposed in axial alignment with said first mentioned element and adapted to apply pressure to an electrode between the portions of said electrode engaged by a pair of said radially arranged grooves of said first jaw element whereby through the cooperation of said specific jaw elements and said elongated, resilient jaws with said camming element, electrodes varying considerably in diameter, may be positively clamped in a variety of different angular positions relative to said handle.

UDE P. UDESEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: 

